The scene shifts, capturing a pilot savouring a bite from the apple. A yellow apple, with the Finnair logo and bite mark, rests on the table.
As any story, Finnair's journey faced both triumph and calamity. There are periods of prosperity accompanied by enormous financial losses, resulting in a period of prosperity. In a dramatic pivot, the airline, in an attempt to distance itself from its Finnish roots, appears to have distanced itself from its roots. No more taking Finns to the world or bringing the world to Finland. With a significant investment in the strategy, Finnair acquired a fleet of Airbus A350 XWBs, presenting itself as the ideal route for the influx of tourists from Asia, Korea, Japan, and other parts of the Far East, heading to Europe's iconic cities. Interestingly, not to Helsinki itself but 'via Helsinki'. The Helsinki-Vantaa airport has transformed into a bustling transportation hub. The majority of passengers simply changed flights, continue on to Paris, Rome, London or Vienna. Covid then resumed flights for nearly two years, stalling for nearly two years. The only exception being empty flights, safeguarding prized airport slots worldwide. As air travel hinted at a resurgence, geopolitical tensions involving the EU's stance on Russia threw a wrench in Finnair's operations. The northern route of Finnair was heavily influenced by Russian airspace. Most Asian routs are now 40 percent longer than they were in the past. Sapporo, Tokyo Haneda, Osaka, Nagoya, Tokyo Haneda and Fukuoka were among those affected. Eurowings leased the A350s. The momentum of Finnair was tarnished, as it dragged on for a third time.
Are the airline's ups and downs a string of unfortunate events? In 2020, CEO Topi Manner received nearly 400,000 euros in bonuses. The state has also financed Finnair with almost 300 million euro and guaranteed loans of 600 million euro. Despite this financial assistance, the company balances its finances with substantial layoffs and terminated 1,000 employees, effectively transferring them to unemployment benefits, i.e. taxpayers' payrolls. After the co-determination talks, Finnair's annual salary for its staff also decreased 40 percent. Manner has resigned from Finnair. After the end of this year, he is still in charge of the company and will go on to lead Elisa.
As the world shrugs away, the aerospace sector's competitiveness grows. The key to thriving is delivering unmatched quality and unbeatable prices. regrettably, Finnair couldn't champion either. A situation no airline wants to occupy: subpar and overpriced.
A succession of questionable decisions surfaced from the CEO's desks, resulting in a succession of questionable decisions. The introduction of the 'economy superlight' ticket is a recent departure from a company that appears to have lost its pulse on both market conditions and consumer sentiment. One can almost picture the discussion: The journey was monetised, from seats to meals, and even cabin luggage. The irony is not lost: the very taxpayers who have repeatedly rescued Finnair from the brink have felt the brunt of these measures.
Unchangeable, nonrefundable, no cabin luggage, pay extra for seat selection, pay extra for snack or food; the ticket is meant for cargo, not a passenger.
Finland has never been known for its exceptional customer service. The reputation of Finnair as a tourist destination is shattered when the company's unrelenting apathy towards its passengers is no longer admirable. This glaring difference offers rivals an amusing spectacle. Finnair has a slogan that speaks in a tongue-in-cheek way.
The feedback on Finnair's Modus operandi and passenger treatment has surged. Every week, the Helsinki Times receives letters from exasperated patrons. From lost luggage, bad treatment, cancelling flights to poor food or subpar service, complains are widespread and frequent.
Recounting a travel debacle, what is the solution? Is it true that her request for compensation was met with a nonchalant, t you? The drive was punctuated by a frugal offering that appeared to be a sandwich.
An aggressive mother describes her ordeal of attempting to reschedule her daughter's flight. The mother's frustration is palpable. Finnair's unwavering focus on revenue is often at the cost of passenger satisfaction, as well as its unwavering focus on revenue.
The recent advertising campaigns by Finnair show a far cry from its adventurous past. Or re-home by nightfall, they declare. This inward-looking message suggests caution rather than exploration. While they promise a return to familiarity, it's with a caveat that it's subject to flight availability and barring any corporate turbulence. Should you choose to remain grounded or entrust another carrier with your trip, it's a wise decision to make.